[Softbank Hawks] Nao Higashihama pitches 19 pitches in the second inning against Samurai Japan. Three pitcher complete the no-hitter until the fifth inning. | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Nao Higashihama pitches 19 pitches in the second inning against Samurai Japan. Three pitcher complete the no-hitter relay until the fifth inning.

Sports Hochi

February 23, 2026 15:38

With no outs in the 5th inning, Nao Higashihama (right) touches Taisei Makihara for a pitching error (Camera Suguru Nakajima)

◆ "Ragzas Samurai Japan Series 2026" Softbank Hawks vs. Japan (23rd, Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki)

Softbank Hawks The Nao Higashihama pitcher shut out the Samurai lineup on 19 pitches in the second inning.

When he went up to mound as the third runner from the 4th inning, he threw all 7 pitches to the cleanup of Maki, Teru Sato, and Morishita strike closer all 7 pitches and retired 3 outs. He took two struck out in the fifth inning and scored three times. Softbank Hawks continues to do no-no relays until the 5th inning.